Talk First, Think Later

Madame Chair

The piercing tones of a phone alarm blared in Leni and Risa's bedroom signifying another day. Neither of them wanted to really get out of bed today - work in the Senate awaits and both of them have important committee hearings to attend before the plenary session.

Leni attempted to wiggle her way to get a head start, only for Risa to tighten her embrace as she did so. "Love, let's stay in bed, please..."

"Ga, gusto ko rin niyan, pero may Finance hearing mamayang 9. Yari na naman kay Madam Chair pag late tayo."

Risa groaned and reluctantly dragged herself out of bed. "Onga pala. Bumangon na nga tayo."

It's not all the time Leni and Risa end up in the same hearing together, so any opportunity to join one was always welcome. Deliberations for the 2026 national budget are underway and the more senators in the opposition available to scrutinize the budget, the better.

Risa still couldn't believe she's working with Leni more closely than before. She hates admitting it, but Leni losing the presidency became a blessing in disguise in some ways.

"Ano kaya breakfast natin mamaya? Sana masarap para sulit naman gising natin.", Risa wondered.

"Well...", Leni smirked, licking her lips. "Kung ako tatanungin mo, I have my ideas."

Risa froze and felt her legs become jelly, but before she could even react, Leni's phone started to ring.

Leni shook her head upon seeing the name on the screen. "Hello, good morning."

Even before Leni mentioned her name, Risa already knew who was on the other line from how she could clearly hear the conversation even without being on speaker phone. As the conversation went on, Leni started to rub one of her temples.

"...okay, sige. See you later, bye."

Leni dropped the line as soon as she could and rolled her eyes. "Risa, pigilan mo ako. Kaunti na lang, mananapak ako sa session hall."

"Pag-pasensyahan mo na, pangga.", Risa said, rubbing Leni's arm. "Masasanay ka rin sa kanya."

"...Sana nga. Sanay naman ako sa iba't ibang klaseng tao, pero ewan ko kung bakit nag-iinit ulo ko sa kanya. Parang sinasadya niya eh."

Risa held Leni's hand and rubbed the back of Leni's hand with her thumb. "Don't worry, my love. Ako bahala sa kanya mamaya."

Leni's eyes glazed with tears. "Ris, di mo kailangan gawin yan. I can defend myself."

"But you don't have to.", Risa replied before kissing Leni's forehead. "Nandito kami, at nandito ako."

After a moment of silence, Risa continued. "Tara, maligo na at baka pati ako madamay."

Leni playfully swatted Risa's arm before racing to the bathroom. "Gagi ka!"